This project presents the design and fabrication of a hydrogen peroxide six-axis propulsion system for picosatellites. An experimental test setup is designed and fabricated with a torsional thrust stand for measurements of the steady-state thrust. The setup includes a thrust block, a catalyst block, a feed system, and sensors for measuring the chamber pressure and temperature. Safety procedures are established. The optimum catalyst bed-length is established with analytical modeling assuming operation with 98 weight percent hydrogen peroxide. Nitrogen, helium, and water pressurization tests are performed as well as a nitrogen firing test and a valve-actuation test. Experimentation under atmospheric conditions and a chamber pressure of 95 psia shows approximately 0.6 N of thrust.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Slater, Cody Lee
• Lamce, Orland
• Creaghan, Mariella Theresa

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-103015-180249

Advisor

• Gatsonis, Nikolaos A.

Year

• 2015

Center

• MIT Lincoln Laboratory-Lexington, Massachusetts Project Center - MQP

Sponsor

• MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Date created

• 2015-10-30

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Aerospace Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright